Arizona Attorney Disciplined For Utah Resignation

The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court has issued an order imposing reciprocal discipline for Walter T. Merrill of Utah. The action is a result of his resignation from the practice of law in Utah.

Merrill admitted to working on client collection cases after they expressed dissatisfaction with his office and terminated representation. He also engaged in a pattern of locating cases where judgment creditors were not represented by counsel and entered appearances on their behalf without first being retained by them. He collected funds, failed to turn funds over to rightful owners, forged signatures, and deposited unearned funds into a personal checking account.

The Order accepting Merrill’s resignation with discipline pending was issued by the Supreme Court of Utah on Aug. 24, 2017. The Arizona Supreme Court filed its Order of Disbarment on Sept. 11, 2018.

Walter T. Merrill’s disbarment was effective on Sept. 11, 2018. He was ordered to pay $1,200 to the State Bar of Arizona for costs and expenses associated with his disciplinary proceedings.